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“I’ve lived here now for 26 years and I had no idea there were even remains still there, I assumed the few gravestones left were just commemorative. Clearly some people are into the darker side of life. I have no idea why anyone would want to go digging it up.”

The site cordoned off by police

The graveyard belongs to St Michael and All Angels Ashton Parish and is maintained by the council.

Church warden Amanda Sykes, 43, said: “I find it hard to understand what people would gain from digging up an unused graveyard and tampering with someone’s remains.

The headstone on the damaged grave

“I’m shocked as to why anyone would want to do that, it’s hardly a thing you would do.

“It’s so disrespectful, the grave belongs to someone’s family and especially disrespectful if there’s family still about.”

According to the headstone, the grave plot contains four relatives and dates back to 1909, with one family member having died from a fall at Kinder Downfall, Derbyshire.

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A Greater Manchester Police spokesman confirmed: “Police were called to Grafton Street at 11.20am on Tuesday morning with reports of a damaged grave. One grave has been smashed. It looks like it is an unidentified offender as there’s no description.”

Police are investigating the incident and anyone with any information is urged to call 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.